Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
1
Introduction
1.1 Background
Having ocean at three sides of its geographical boundary, India is blessed with over 7500 km long
coastline. The shoreline of the country harbors a great diversity of habitats including dense mangroves
of Sunderbans, sandy shores of Orissa, coral reefs of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, rocky
pools of Ratnagiri and the two gulfs of Gujarat. India is the seventh largest marine fishing nation in the
world and thirty percent of Indian population is directly dependant on these marine resources.
Gujarat is the western most state of India. Having the longest coastline of 1650 km the state has two
gulfs out of three of the country viz. Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch. Coastline of Saurashtra has
broad continental shelf and hence supports healthy biodiversity compared to the other regions of the
state. Gujarat is the leading most state in the development of coastal infrastructure. Government has
declared many Special Economic zones (SEZ) in the coastal areas. One of the most important SEZ is
established on the coastline of Mundra and is known as Mundra Port Special Economic Zone (MPSEZ)
which is located in the Gulf of Kutch. In December 2006 Ministry of Power gave a project to Tata Power
Company for establishing a 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Plant (UMPP) at Tunda – Wandh village of
Mandvi Taluka of Kutch district of the Gujarat State. The Company started its work on a massive scale
and obtained the early stage environmental clearances and initiated the land acquisition work. The
power plant will have five units of 800 MW capacity and will be based on Super Critical Boiler Technology
and fully imported coal based.
Fig. 1: Map showing location of CGPL (Mundra village) in the Gulf of Kutch
The project site is situates on the northern boundary of the Gulf (Fig. 1, 2) and it was thus necessary to
understand its impact on the coastal and marine ecosystems. Such large scale power units will alter not
only the genetic resources of the marine biodiversity but also alter the regular livelihood practices of the
coastal population such as fishing. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department consulted Bombay
Natural History Society (BNHS) in June 2008 to carry out one year study to benchmark the biodiversity
resources so that future impacts of the establishment of the UMPP could be assessed accurately. The
study was aimed at generating first hand data which is a prerequisite to design management strategies
and to take proactive measure to minimize the ecosystem damage. The study is also aimed at
identification of suitable site for mangrove restoration.
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
1.1
i.
ii.
Objectives
To document and analyze the coastal and marine biodiversity along the Mandvi-Mundra coast.
To identify the key impact factors on the biodiversity due to the activities related to the CGPL
plant.
ii.
Identify and benchmark monitoring of benthic species.
v.
To develop biodiversity monitoring protocols.
v.
To identify appropriate areas and parameters for restoration of affected ecosystem
1.2
Site description
1.2.1
Physical features
The mainland of Kutch has a rocky terrain with two hill ranges running parallel in west –east direction.
The belt between the southern hill range – Katrol hill range – and the Gulf of Kutch is dominantly costal
alluvial plain lined by mudflats on its south where Mandvi and Mundra are located (Maurya et al 2003).
The soils of northern districts of Gujarat especially Kutch and Saurashtra are formed of sheets of
deccan lava interspersed with trap dykes. Kutch has good deal of alluvium. Along the coastline saline
alluvium is found (Shah, 1978).
Fig. 2: Map showing location of Kotadi and Modhwa creeks with respect to the CGPL plant
The project site is delineated by two creeks, Kotdi creek on its east and Mudhwa creek on its west (Fig.
2).
1.1.1
Climate
The climate in the study area is generally categorized by frequent draught and extreme temperature. It
is seasonal and has summer (March – May), monsoon (June – September) and post-monsoon (October – November) and winter (December - February) seasons. The region gets rain from the south-west
monsoon, and is very erratic in both, quantity and duration. These climatic conditions have lead to arid
lands and high salinity of sea water.
The mean annual temperature varies from 5 °C to 41 °C while humidity ranges from 80 to 90% during
2
monsoon season. The mean annual rainfall of Mundra – Mandavi area is 429 mm – 319 mm (1982 –
2002). The average number of rainy days in a year (calculated over this period) is only 14.
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
1.1.1
Land use pattern and vegetation
According to the EIA report (2007) the maximum land in an area of 5 km radius surrounding
the plant site is under fallow land, followed by marshy land and salt pans, and then agricultural
and barren waste land. The forested lands as well as mangroves occupy very less proportion.
The total study area has 1.6 % forested area which is mainly scrub vegetation dominated by
Prosopis juliflora. The nearest reserved forest land is at village Mota Kandagra.
The natural terrestrial vegetation of the study area falls under “VI – B Northern Tropical Forest”
Sub type C-I Desert Thorn Forest (Kuchchh, Saurashtra, Gujarat). The forest patches falling
under this category have mono-dominant Prosopis juliflora. Acasia spp., Euphorbia spp.,
Zyziphus mauritiana are also found in these scrubs. The ground cover generally is of Cassia
auriculiformis, Zyziphus nummularis etc.
Mangrove patches are present mostly along the two creeks and cover only 0.05 km2 area.
These are dominated by Avicennia marina and show stunted growth. The intertidal mud flats
are mostly covered with algae while the upper sandy mudflats have halophytes in abundance.
The agricultural crops include cereals like Pennisetum typhoides, Sorghum bicolor, and Triticum
vulgare. The pulses grown in this area are Arachis hypogaea and Vigna radiata. Also many
places around the site are under cultivation of Phoenix dactylifera, Achrus zapota, Cocos
nucifera, Mangifera indica. Crops like Ricinus communis, Solanum tabacum are also common.
The study area falls in the semi arid tract of the state in which thorny scrub forests. The vegetation
has a very open appearance so that the trees and shrubs are widely spaced. A majority of the
vegetation consists of co-dominant, spinous trees and shrubs with drought tolerance. Owing to
the distinct seasonality of the climate, the vegetation has two distinct types. The perennial
vegetation which is present throughout the year and the annual vegetation which completes
lifecycle within the short monsoon season.
Permanent vegetation is xerophytic and consists of trees and shrubs up to 6m tall rarely more.
It is characterised by arid vegetation dominated by Acacia spp., Capparis spp., Prosopis
ceneraria, Calotropis procera, Cassia auriculata, Cordia gharaf, Azadirechta indica. However,
large open areas are extensively covered by the naturalized species Prosopis juliflora which
forms almost impenetrably thickets at the cost of natural vegetation.
Floristic composition of the area thus matches broadly with the secondary, degraded types of
the area. Considering the species composition, the vegetation of the project site is closest to
the degraded phases of the Tropical Thorn Forest. The classification following Champion and
Seth (1968) is as follows:
>Group 6 – Tropical Thorn Forests
>> Sub-group 6B – Northern Tropical Thorn Forests
>>>Type 6B/C1 – Desert Thorn Forests
Champion and Seth (1968) describe Northern Tropical Thorn Forests as similar to the southern
form which is an open low forest in which thorny usually hard wooded species predominate,
Acacia spp. being particularly characteristic. The dominants vary from 4.5-10m in height and
tend to be collected in clumps leaving bare ground in between. Regeneration by root suckers
is common, notably in Prosopis and Capparis. Climbers are relatively numerous and also
usually exhibit xerophytic adaptations. The woody growth is of all sizes from the trees down to
the dwarf shrubs with no differentiation in to storeys. The perennial grasses grow in clumps
and tussocks. There is a thin growth of annual grasses after the rains.
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
A more pertinent classification for the vegetation of this area is found in Puri et al. (1983). It matches It
is open formation of shrubs, 6m or less in height with a grass carpet of density varying according to
protection. Stunted Acacia leucophloea, Acacia tortilis, A. nilotica, Prosopis cineraria are seen intermixed
with Azadirachta indica, Ziziphus spp. It is mostly invaded by Prosopis juliflora. It is a biotically controlled
community existing in a severely degraded state. Degraded scrub is the dominant vegetation type
throughout the study area. Zizyphus nummularia together with Calotropis procera are dominant shrubs.
Alongwith this Trianthema portulacastrum, Indigofera sp. are decumbent herbs. Salvadora persica
occurs scattered in the scrub growth. Tribulus terrestris, Cenchrus ciliaris, Aristida spp., Boerrhavia
repens, Achyranthes aspera are dominant.
1.3.4
Fauna
The high faunal diversity in the gulf area owes to the habitat diversity produced by land to sea transitions.
The marine as well as coastal biota is very rich which includes corals, sponges, molluscs, crustaceans,
fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals. Mundra region of the Gulf is however dominated by mudflats and
coral reef or reef associated fauna is absent.
Marine turtles Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivia breed along the sandy beaches of the Gulf.
Species diversity of fishes along the northern Gulf is highest near Kandla followed by Mundra (Nair,
2003). Black-necked Stork a NTspecies breeds in the mangroves along Mundra coast.
1.3.5
Description of the project
The thermal power plant is located at a site near south of Tundawand village in Mundra taluka of Kutch
District. This 4000 MW power plant occupies 1242 ha of land at 22 49 48 N and 69 30 58 E. The closest
major urban settlement is Mandvi which is 25 km from the site. It is surrounded by other villages like
Traghadi, Kandagra and Nana Bhadiya.
The plant will have five units of 800 MW capacity and will require 11-13 million tones of coal which will
be imported. It will also require about 14.26 Mm3 /day of water. The only source of water required is
nearby sea which is located at 2.5 km from the plant site. Sea water will be taken to the plant through
open intake channel, for condenser cooling and also other freshwater requirement. The same water
after cooling the condenser will be released back to sea by the outfall channels.
Intake channel
Overall length of the intake channel will be about 6.5 km and is routed through Kotdi creek. The channel
will be about 65 m wide.
It is a uniform sandy beach having a very narrow intertidal area of about 30 meters. There is no rocky
or muddy substratum towards the shoreline area. There are a few saplings of Avicennia marina on the
high tidal mudflats which get inundated once a month. Grazing was seen prominent.
Outfall channel
The Outfall channel is 4.9 km long and 100 meter wide. The channel is crossing the Modhwa creek and
opens in the open waters of the Gulf of Kutch. The channel will be carrying the saline water having 70C
higher than the intake channel seawater.
Area of about 102 ha including intake and outfall channels falls into the Mundra SEZ.
1.3.6
Socio-economic features
The shoreline, intertidal area and the open sea adjacent to the outfall channel is rich in fisheries resources including elasmobranch (sharks). Traghadi, Salaya and Modhva have been considered as
important fish landing centers. All these centers fall in the impact zone of the outfall channel. More than
50 fishing families are residing adjacent to the proposed outfall channel. However this is a temporary
settlement and is active only during the fishing seasons i.e. September to May. The local fishermen
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also hire the labour from all over state for unloading, fishing and fish drying.
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Fig. 3 Map showing fishermen settlement on Mundra coast
1
Methodology
1.1
Characterization of major habitat types
Various factors, especially physiography in combination with tidal cycles gives rise to habitat diversity
across the transition from sea to land. Based on the soil type, vegetation and physiognomy these
habitats were identified as follows –
I.
Coastal saline scrub forests
II.
Sand dunes
III.
Salt pans
IV.
Supra-littoral zone
V.
Intertidal mangrove zone
VI.
Intertidal open mudflat zone
VII.
Open ocean
VIII. Rocky beds
1.2
Sampling
1.2.1
Vegetation
Different sampling techniques were applied for different habitats as well as groups under study (Table 1).
Table 1 Sampling Methods for various habitats and groups
Habitat
Groups
Sampling method
Remarks
Coastal saline scrub forests
and sand dunes
Trees, shrubs
Herbs
100 m x 10 m transects
1m x 1m nested quadrats
Parallel to the coast
line
Salt pans
Halophytes
Observations
Low diversity and
density
Supra-littoral zone
Halophytes
1m x 1m quadrats
Randomly placed
Intertidal Mangroves
Mangroves (Trees and
saplings)
100 m x 10 m transects
1m x 1m nested quadrats
Parallel to the
creeks, mudflat belts
Intertidal open mudflat
Algae
1m x 1m quadrats
Randomly placed
Rocky beds
Algae
1m x 1m quadrats
Randomly placed
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
The sampling was done on seasonal basis to cover four different seasons, such as summer, monsoon,
winter and post winter to cover both vegetation as well as fauna. However, for the vegetation studies
post–winter sampling was not considered as the observations did not vary from those of winter sampling.
2.2.2
Fauna
Biased survey
While preparing the biodiversity inventory the methodology selected was biased, by selecting impacted
habitat for the study for specific group of animal e.g. surveying sandy beaches to find the evidences of
occurrence of sea turtle.
Random Stratified sampling
In statistics, a modification of the random sample is particularly useful when obvious heterogeneity
exists in the community, area, etc. to be investigated. In such instances a simple random sample may
fail to record sufficient replicates of a particular subcategory, or may do so only very inefficiently, thus
preventing a proper statistical monitoring of variability. In a stratified random scheme sample data
points are divided into classes (strata) before taking a random sample within each stratum.
(a) Quadrates
Quadrates are the square sampling plots of fixed length and width generally used to study sedentary or
slow moving animals. 1x1 meter quadrates were laid to study the biodiversity. This size quadrates
provides more accuracy in the turbid water as well as high density species count. It will be based on
“Random Stratified Sampling method”
(b)Transects
Transects are mainly of two types, line and belt. Belt transects can be laid by fixing the width and the
length. Where as line transects can be laid just by fixing the length of the transect. It is used to measure
the occurrence, frequency as well as the diversity of the area.
(c) Other methods
For vertebrates point counts and block counts are frequently used, where as fish by-catch also can be
used to analyze the marine biodiversity of the area.
Table 2: Sampling methods for various faunal groups
Type of animals to be studied
Sampling method
Marine invertebrates
Quadrates, transects, by-catch
Fishes
Fish catch
Marine reptiles
Direct sightings, indirect evidences, stranding
Avifauna
Point count, block count, head count
Marine mammals
Direct sightings, stranding
2.3
Community structure and biodiversity analysis
2.3.1
Vegetation
The appropriate sites were selected to represent each of these habitat types listed above except open
sea. For each habitat the community structure analysis was carried out. The sampled area and methods were habitat- specific. The parameters studied were frequency, density, IVI and species richness.
Frequency indicates number of sampling units in which a given species occurs and thus expresses the
distribution or dispersion of various species in a community. It was calculated using the following for-
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mula
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Number of sampling units in which the species occurred
% Frequency =
x 100
Total number of sampling units studied
Density and abundance represent the numerical strength of species in the community.
Density is expressed as the number of individuals of a species per unit area and is calculated as follows
Density (number of plants per sample unit) =
Total number of individuals of a species in all the sample units
Total number of sample units studied
Abundance is expressed as the number of individuals per quadrat of occurrence and is calculated as
follows
Total no of individuals of a species
Abundance =
Number of quadrats of occurrence of the species
Relative density, relative frequency, and Importance Value Index (IVI) were calculated from above data.
IVI for shrubs and herbs was calculated as,
IVI = Relative frequency + Relative Density
2.3.2
Fauna
Density, frequency, abundance and IVI were studied on the same lines as above.
3
Results
3.1
Characterization of major habitat types
I.
Coastal saline scrub forests
These scrubs are supported by relatively firm soil which is saline in nature. It may be
classified into two groups, the permanent vegetation occurring throughout the year
and temporary vegetation consisting of annuals growing mainly during short rainy
seasons.
Prosopis juliflora was the dominant tree species showing stunted growth with very
few individuals of Acacia nilotica and Zizyphus nummularia. The density varied
between 3 to 6 individuals per 10 m2. During the summer and winter seasons the soil
is usually devoid of ground vegetation. A very few perennials such as Aerva javanica,
Boerhaavia diffusa, Heliotropium indicum, Launea procumbens, Indigofera spp., Lotus
sp., grasses and reeds were found throughout the year.
During rainy season, the seasonal ground vegetation is composed of Citrulus
colocynthis, Mukia maderaspatana and various species of grasses.
II.
Sand dunes
Sand dunes are extended between scrubs and muddy shorelines and are dominated
by grasses. The trailing Ipomoea prescarpe was observed spreading over loose sand
in many places. The grasses formed small patches intermittently on otherwise barren
sand dunes. The grass and allied species include, Cenchrus biflora, Cyperus
arenarius, C. conglomeritus, Dactyloctenium sindicum, Leptochloa fusca, Fimbristylis
cymosa, Juncus meritimus, Pycreus spp., Scirpus tuberosus, Sporobolus
maderaspatenus.
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
III.
Salt pans
Saltpans are typical tide water impounded enclosed system adjacent to creek environment. They
are characteristically exposed to a wide range of environmental stress and perturbation which
manifest mainly through salinity changes. However, saltpans are immature ecosystem as compared
with a typical marine system and harbour a high proportion of opportunistic species. Species
diversity is directly linked with salinity. Hence the higher the salinity, the lower the species diversity
and simpler the structure of the ecosystem.
The abandoned salt pans occupy significantly large area with poor diversity. A few halophytes such
as Suaeda fruticosa, S. maritima, Sesuvium portulacastrum were abundant, The other herbaceous
species which grow along the bunds include Cresa critica, Aleurops lagopoides, Aerva javanica,
Fagonia cretica, Evolvulus nummularius, Launea procumbens, Lotus sp., Trianthema portulacastrum.
These saltpans serve as feeding grounds for a variety of resident as well as migrant birds.
IV.
Supra-littoral zone
The zone represents area in between sandy dunes and the inter-tidal mudflats. The substrate is
mainly sandy supporting healthy thickets of halophytes, mostly Salicornia brachiata. Also other
halophytes including Suaeda meritima, S. fruticosa, Sesuvium portulacastrum were abundant.
The grasses found associated with them include Dactyloctenium sindicum, Cynodon dactylon,
Aleurops lagopoides.
V.
Intertidal mangrove zone
This zone forms one of the important habitats as it harbours several species and provides suitable
conditions required for their breeding and feeding. There are two important sites forming this zone
in the entire study area; one at the extreme west of the project site along Modhwa Creek and one
to the south along Kotdi Creek.
The mangroves of this area as described earlier are dominated by Avicennia marina which shows
a very stunted growth of max. 2 m. A. alba was also seen rarely. The associates like Salvadora
persica was hardly observed in this zone.
The zone also shows very high density of saplings.
VI.
Intertidal open mudflat zone
This zone though looks devoid of any vegetation it is actually inhabited by a few algal species
namely, Cladophora glomerata, Enteromorpha intestinalis and Ulva sp. Enteromorpha intestinalis
forms enormous blooms in this zone changing the physiognomy of the area drastically.
This zone however is rich in faunal diversity with molluscs, flatworms, crabs and is visited by
several migrant bird species.
VII.
Rocky beds
This habitat is confiding to the southwestern edges of the Mandvi – Mundra coast lines. The only
vegetation found were a few species of green and red algae present along the crevices and ditches
formed on the rocky substratum. The common species include Colpomenia sinuosa, Corallina officinalis,
Enteromorpha sp., Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum tenerrimum, Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca.
However, this habitat seems to support a great deal of faunal diversity.
3.2
3.2.1
8
Community structure analysis
Vegetation
The tree component was represented only by five species in the entire sampled area viz. Prosopis juliflora,
Acacia nilotica, Zizyphus mauritiana, Avicennia marina, and A. alba. P. juliflora showed high density of 170
individuals / ha.
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Fig. 4: Map showing intake and outfall channels, different habitats mapped.
(Blue line: intake channel; Orange line: outfall channel; Dark green area: dense mangrove patch;
Light green area: sparse mangrove cover; Light blue area: Potential sites for mangrove plantation;
Yellow area: sand dunes; Dark yellow area: salt pans; Black area: rocky beds)
At the intertidal mangrove zone along Mudhwa creek Avecinnia stand density was 390 individuals/ ha
while that along the Kotdi creek was 130 individuals / ha. Both the stands had very high density of
saplings (app. 30-70 saplings per 100 m2).
The study area being a typical marine ecosystem complex is highly heterogenous with several habitats
which differ in their physico-chemical parameters and biological composition. The habitats identified
during this study too are not comparable and they hardly have species in common (Appendix I). However,
species richness was found highest (39 species) in the scrub forest, followed by grass dominated
sandy dunes (22) and salt pans (13). One single species was not found occupying more than three
habitat types.
Herbaceous communities dominant in the area are either halophytes or grasses. The Important Value
Index plotted for herbs across three habitats such as sand dunes, salt pans and supra-littoral zone
shows that Cyperus conglomeratus was the most dominant species followed by Cyperus pangorei and
Paspalum distichum. However, the gradual slope indicates that overall low dominance and more or
less uniform utilization of resources among the species (Fig. 5).
In all twelve species of algae were recorded from intertidal mudflats as well as rocky beds (Appendix I).
Fig 5: IVI plotted against species sequence for the herbaceous species
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3.2.2
Mollusca
Mollusca are one of the most diverse groups of animals on the planet, with at least 1,00,000 living
species (and more likely around 200,000). It includes familiar organisms such as sea slugs, octopus,
squid, clams, oysters, cowries, cones and chitons. Molluscs are a group of organisms that have soft
bodies which typically have a “head” and a “foot” region. Often their bodies are covered by a hard
exoskeleton, as in the shells of snails and clams or the plates of chitons. They also have a very long
and rich fossil record going back more than 550 million years, making them one of the most common
types of organism used by paleontologists to study the history of life.
Marine molluscs occur on a large variety of substrates including rocky shores, coral reefs, mud flats,
and sandy beaches. Gastropods and chitons are characteristic of these hard substrates, and bivalves
are commonly associated with softer substrates where they burrow into the sediment. However, there
are many exceptions: the largest living bivalve, Tridacna gigas, lives on coral reefs, and many bivalves
(e.g., mussels and oysters) attach themselves to hard substrates. For the marine molluscan population
estimation and seasonal variations the intertidal habitat of Modhwa creek was selected. The total intertidal area was divided in to six different zones with each zone having 5 quadrats of 1x1 meter size.
Three Habitats i.e. Sandy-Muddy, Sandy and Rocky were covered under sampling area.
Diversity
Total 16 species of Gastropods were found in the sampling area (Table 3), however the list of total
species encountered is given separately in the annexure. Maximum species were found to be 14 in
winter, whereas the lowest species richness was in summer i.e. 10 (Fig. 6). Trochus niloticus was found
only during the winter of 2008, however it was not found in any other seasons. Purpura panama was
found only during the monsoon sampling. Cerithidea cingulata was found to be dominant throughout
the upper intertidal habitats where as Hemifusus pugilinus was found dominant in the lower intertidal
areas (rocky edge).
Density
Density is one of the most simple analysis factors (the number of individuals per unit area or volume).
Highest density of the phylum Mollusca was found to be 4.8 per quadrat where as lowest was 2.1 in
summer (Fig. 7). By plotting the graph of phylum density versus the temperature gradient it is evident
that the total molluscan density is inversely proportionate to the temperature. The seasonal variation in
water temperature was up to 6oC, the highest was recorded during peak summer was 280C and the
lowest was recorded in winter i.e. 220C which might have decreased the total density of the Gastropod
complex to the half of the value i.e. from 4.8 to 2.1 animals per quadrate, which shows a clear indication
that the density of gastropods is inversely proportionate to the temperature gradient.
Table 3: Total species within the
Quadrates
Sr. No. Species
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Trochus niloticus
Trochus radiatus
Cerithium scabridum
Cerithidea cingulata
Telescopium telescopium
Natica picta
Murex brunneus
Thais rugosa
Thais lacera
Cronia subnodulosa
Cantharus undosus
Nassarius distortus
Pugilina (Hemifusus) cochlidium
Turbo brunneus
Purpura persica
Babylonia spirata
Fig. 6: Molluscan species richness over four seasons
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Fig. 7: Molluscan density over four seasons
Relative Abundance
Relative abundance is determined not only by the number of species within a biological community—
i.e., species richness—but also by the relative abundance of individuals in that community. Species
abundance is the number of individuals per species, and relative abundance refers to the evenness of
distribution of individuals among the community.
Results of Relative abundance depict the dominance of the particular species in the given community.
Four species viz. Cerithidea cingulata, Nassarius distortus, Trochus radiatus and Cantharus undosus
were found to be most dominant amongst the all occurring species of gastropods (Fig 8). However, the
temperature variation from winter to peak summer was 60C though the relative abundance of these species
was found to be on the higher side compared to the other species and was not much affected and hence
is considered as dominant species of the molluscan community throughout the year (Fig. 8-11).
Fig 8: Relative abundance of Molluscan
species during winter
Fig 10: Relative abundance of Molluscan
species during summer
Fig 9: Relative abundance of Molluscan species
during post-winter
Fig 11: Relative abundance of Molluscan
species during monsoon
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Fig 12: Seasonal variation in the frequency of Molluscan species
Why Monitor mollusca?
Our focus for long term monitoring is on mollusca as these are sedentary species and site specific and
do not undertake migration. Thus they will show significant population shift with biotic and abiotic factor
fluctuations. This could be easily correlated with increased temp due to warm water release once plant
gets operational. Since molluscs are sedentary species, they provide ideal benchmark for future
monitoring. There are number of other sedentary species we may choose. But for seasonal monitoring,
one need to identify species which can be easily recognizable and yet effective indicators. If we choose
birds as monitoring species for e.g., then there are several external factors as well which will influence
their population such as draught at nesting areas, hunting on migration route, lack of rainfall etc.
3.2.3
Birds
Shorebirds, also known as waders, undergo amongst the most spectacular feats of migration seen in the
animal kingdom, with some species traveling in excess of 20,000 km a year during a life span that may
exceed 20 years. Migration enables them to breed in highly productive wetlands at high (Arctic) latitudes
of the northern hemisphere during the brief northern summer, and then disperse widely to the south for
the rest of the year. The migratory lifestyle of shorebirds is fascinating but it also presents a major
conservation problem, the birds rely on sites at destination, and some in-between, at different times of the
year. To compound this problem, shorebirds commonly use coastal habitats and congregate at a small
number of sites. Their conservation thereby often conflicts with human use of such areas. Major impacts
are habitat loss and degradation, hunting and other disturbance, and competition for food.
The Central Asian Flyway (CAF)
The Central Asian Flyway (CAF) has also been referred to as the Central Asian-Indian Flyway and the
Central Asian-South Asian Flyway. It covers a large continental area of Eurasia between the Arctic
Ocean and the Indian Ocean and the associated island chains. The CAF comprises several important
migration routes of waterbirds, most of which extend from the northernmost breeding grounds in Siberia
to the southernmost non-breeding wintering grounds in West Asia, South Asia and the British Indian
Ocean Territory.
12
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
The CAF range is essentially centred on one
of the three major wintering areas of waterfowl
in the Old World, namely the Indian
subcontinent, the other two being Africa, in
territory of the African-Eurasian Flyway
(AEWA) to the west, and south-east Asia in
the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) to
the east. These wintering areas are
geographically separate, and present entirely
different ecological, historical and cultural
situations.
The Central Asian Flyway covers at least 279
migratory waterbird populations of 182
species, including 29 globally threatened
Fig 13: Central Asian, East Asian-Australasian and West
Pacific migratory bird flyways
species and NTspecies that breed, migrate
and spend the non-breeding winter period
within the region.
India is the core country of the CAF and supports 257 species of water birds. Of these, 81 species are
migratory birds of CAF conservation concern, including three critically endangered species, six
endangered species and 13 NTspecies. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency
for developing strategy and action plans and managing national, regional and international programmes
on water birds and wetlands conservation. Implementation of action plans is through the states’
environment and forests agencies with complementing activities provided by many academic institutions,
NGO-conservation organizations, professional institutions and international agencies. The Bombay
Natural History Society is the foremost NGO in India working on water birds and wetlands. India has
identified more than 300 potential RAMSAR sites, of which 25 have been implemented. India is notable
among CAF countries, with an extensive series of important bird areas and protected areas including
bird sanctuaries, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks covering wetlands that provide convenient
stopover and wintering areas for migratory birds using the Central Asian Flyway.
As shorebirds are not constrained by international boundaries, their conservation requires that
governments cooperate and coordinate conservation efforts, especially the identification and protection
of important sites. The identification of important sites requires information on the numbers of birds at
sites and the total size of each shorebird population.
Fig 14: Shore birds species richness over the
four seasons
Fig. 15: Graph showing seasonal variation in different
categories of Shorebirds
13
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
4
Conclusions and Recommendations
Following are the points summarizing the impact posed by various activities1)
The overall floral diversity of the study area is low, owing mainly to the high biotic disturbances
and alterations in the landuse patterns. However, the area is still rich in the faunal diversity
pertaining to almost all the groups studied.
2)
Intertidal mudflat zone is also important with respect to molluscan diversity, the studies of
correlation between algal and molluscan species abundance can be taken up in future.
3)
Though the seedling and sapling density of mangrove species was found high in both the
stands along Mudhwa as well as Kotdi creek, the overall stand is highly disturbed by grazing
and saltpan activities operated nearby. Enormous camel grazing affects seedling and sapling
establishment in both the areas. This may be one of the major reasons for low establishment
of mature trees.
4)
According to the amended plan of the outfall channel, this channel has changed its course
westward, which passes across the mouth of the Mudhwa creek and the rocky bed towards
the west of the project site. This channel will be dredged below ground level. The effluent
water probably 7°C warmer than the sea water may affect the saplings of mangrove as well as
biota sustaining in this habitat.
5)
Some saltpans are seen recently being developed in the supra-littoral zones near Mudhwa
creek certainly affecting the mangroves seedling and sapling establishment.
As far as fauna is concerned the study was mainly focused on two major groups viz. Mollusca and Birds
to understand the impact of seasonal variations on the community composition. The project period was
too short to draw a detailed trend and design a model to understand the impact of seasonal variations
on Biodiversity. However, benchmarking biodiversity will be helpful over time to see the change and
take appropriate mitigative measures. Though we were able to conclude on the following points; Analysis
of community structure is important not only for an understanding of the magnitude of production and
energy pathways, but also in evaluating environmental and man-made changes on biota, and further in
the management and conservation of the environment (Harkantra, 1985).
1.
Impact of Seasonal Variations on Selected Groups:
Mollusca
The counts taken during 4 seasons showed great variation in the species richness as well as the
density of Mollusca. Highest species richness was encountered during winter when water temperature
was as low as 22oC, whereas lowest richness was found in summer i.e. 10. The density of the molluscan
fauna was also highest in winter i.e. 4.8 whereas lowest 2.1 in summer. However the relative abundance
of six species found to be high and hence have been identified for long term monitoring to assess the
impact of temperature variation on the molluscan community composition. These species can be
monitored seasonally and the population ecology can be studied to understand the impact of high
variations in the environment and biodiversity resilience. The selected species are as follows.
14
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
In future when the plant gets operational and
will start releasing water with 7 0C high
temperature over that of the sea water through
the outfall channel, and with higher
temperature regimes, in summer can affect
the population of major invertebrates including
the mollusca. It requires monitoring in each
season. The higher temperature variation is
directly proportionate to the salinity rise as the
high temperature increase the evaporation
rate of the water. Hence, the group of animals,
which are prone to decline due to high salinity
will be affected adversely.
Sr. No Species for long term monitoring
1
Ceritidea cingulata
2
Thais rugosa
3
Thais lacera
4
Cantharus undosus
5
Nassarius distortus
6
Pugilina (Hemifusus) cochlidium
Fig. 16: The molluscan species selected for the long
term monitoring programme
Birds
Avifauna of the area was classified in to two major groups i) Terrestrial and ii) Shorebirds. Total 75
species were observed during the project period of which 43 are shorebirds. In all the counts terrestrial
birds does not show much variation in the species richness, whereas the shorebirds showed a
characteristic trend with the seasonal variations. The diversity shorebirds were 43 in the winter with 23
purely migratory species where only 3 migratory species of birds were observed in summer. During the
study out of 43 species of shorebirds, 6 species have been listed under decreasing global population
status by IUCN. Where as 5 species are NTand one species Dalmatian Pelican is listed vulnerable.
(IUCN Red Data book 2009). Most of the species of shorebirds use existing mangroves for roosting and
mudflats and the intertidal areas for the feeding. Black-necked Stork has been found nesting (July 2008
and August 2009) on the mangroves of Modhwa creek near proposed outfall channel.
Table 4: Important shorebird species
Common Name
Scientific Name
IUCN Status
Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
NT
Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
NT
Black-headed Ibis
Threskiornis melanocephalus
NT
Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
NT
Painted Stork
Mycteria leucocephala
NT
Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispus
Vulnerable
15
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
1.
Impact of outfall channel on sea turtle nesting
There are two endangered species of turtles reported from this area i.e. Green Sea and Olive Ridley. As
per (Chaudhary, 2006) the area is an important turtle nesting site of Gujarat. It has been also confirmed
by the local fishermen that sea turtles do nest in the area. There are 43 nests within the impact area of
the outfall channel. (source: Chaudhary, 2006 Marine turtles of India, study conducted by WII) Turtles
belonging to reptile group are cold-blooded animals and are highly sensitive towards temperature
variations. The upcoming outfall channel, opening in the Gulf of Kutch will carry 70C higher temperature
water than the normal sea water. Large quantity of high temperature sea water will impact the breeding
ecology of the turtles. The turtles have temperature-dependant sex determination, and rising temperature
will alter the sex ratio with an incline towards more female hatchlings. The mortality at the embryonic
stage is also high in the raised temperature environments (Pintus K. J. et al, 2009).
16
Transects on various habitats
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Sand dunes
Scrub forest dominated by Prosopis juliflora
Sandy flats inhabited by halophytes like
Salicarnia brachiata
Mudflats
Rocky beaches
Salt pans
17
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
18
Mangroves on the west of the proposed outfall channel
Mangroves along Kotdi Creek
Dredging activities before the construction of Intake
channel
Excavation activity by the salt pan owners right in the
midst of westward mangroves
Enteromorpha sp. blooms in intertidal mudflats
Colpomenia sinuosa
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Codium sp.
Trianthema portulacastrum
Fagonia cretica
Launea procumbens
Tribulus terrestris
Evolvulus nummularis
19
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
20
Ipomoea sp
Lotus sp.
Hedyotes sp.
Smithia sensitiva
Indigofera cordifolia
Citrulus colocynthis
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Aerva javanica
Aerva javanica
Cressa cretica
Cressa cretica
Suaeda meritima
Salicarnia brachiata
21
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
22
Avicenna marina
Scirpus tuberosus
Pycreus sp. 1
Pycreus sp. 2
Cyperus sp.
Dactyloctenium sindicum
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Sporolobus maderaspatenus
Sporolobus maderaspatenus
Aeluropus lagopoides
Leptochloa fusca
Mitrella blanda
Pugilina (Hemifusus) cochlidium
23
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
24
Feather star
Ghost Crab
Eurasian Curlew (Near Threatened)
Crab Plover
Dalmatian Pelican (Vulnerable)
Lesser Flamingos (Near Threatened)
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Black-necked Stork
(Near Threatened)
Painted Stork
Star Tortoise
Olive Ridley Turtle (Endangered)
Indian fringe toed lizard
Monitor Lizard
25
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
REFERENCES
Anonymous. 2007. Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for 4000 MW
Imported Coal Fired Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project. Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, New Delhi.
Anonymous. 2007. Rapid Marine Environmental Impact Assessment for Ultra Mega Power Project near
Mundra. National Institute of Oceanography, Goa. (Sponsored by Coastal Gujarat Power Limited,
New Delhi).
Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. 1968. A Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India. Manager of
Publications, Delhi.
Chaudhary, 2006 Marine turtles of India, study conducted by WII.
Maurya D. M., Thakkar M.G. and Chamyal, L. S. 2003. Quarternary Geology of the arid zone of Kachchh:
Terra Incognita. Proceedings of Indian National Science Academy. 69(A2): 123-135.
Nair, V. 2002. Status of the Flora and Fauna of Gulf of Kachchh, India, National Institute of Oceanography,
Goa.
Pintus K. J. et al. 2009. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(7): pp.1151-1157.
Shah, G. L. 1978. Flora of Gujarat State, Part I & II. Sardar Patel University, Gujarat, India.
26
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Appendix I
Distribution of plant species in various habitats identified within the study area
Sr.No. Species
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
Total
1
2
3
4
5
Acacia nilotica
Prosopis juliflora
Zizyphus mauritiana
Avicennia marina
A. alba
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
+
+
-
-
1
1
1
1
1
6
7
8
9
10
11
Aerva javanica
Heliotropium indicum
Indigofera coerulea
Ipomoia prescarpe
Salvadora persica
Ziziphus nummularia
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
-
+
-
-
-
1
1
1
1
2
1
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Acrachne ramosa
Aleurops lagopoides
Apocopis vaginata
Bergia suffruticosa
Boerrhavia diffusa
Cenchrus biflora
Chloris barbata
Citrulus colocynthis
Cressa critica
Cynodon dactylon
Cyperus arenarius
Cyperus conglomeratus
Cyperus pangorei
Dactyloctenium sindicum
Leptochloa fusca
Echinocloa colonum
Evolvulus nummularis
Fagonia cretica
Fimbristylis cymosa
Heteropogon sp.
Junchus meritimus
Launea procumbens
Lotus sp.
Mukia maderaspatanus
Paspalum distichum
Paspalum sp.
Salicarnia brachiata
Scirpus tuberosus
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Smithia sp.
Sporobolus maderaspatenus
Sueda fruticosa
Sueda meritima
Trianthema portulacastrum
Tribulus terrestris
Tridax procumbens
Urochorda setulosa
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-
+
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
3
2
2
2
3
2
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
2
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Caulerpa crassifolia
Champia indica
Cladophora glomerata
Codium sp.
Colpomenia sinuosa
Corallina officinalis
Enteromorpha intestinalis
Padina tetrastromatica
Sargassum sp.
Sargassum tenerrimum
Ulva fasciata
Ulva lactuca
39
22
13
6
3
+
+
+
+
+
+
6
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
12
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
2
2
Shrubs
Herbs
Algae
27
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Annexure 2: Crab species of the Study area
Sr. No. Scientific Name
Common Name
Edibility
1
Atergatis integerrimus
Queen crab
Low
2
Portunus sanguinolentus
Three spotted crab
High
3
Portunus pelagicus
Neptune crab
High
4
Matuta planipes
ghost crab
Low
5
Menaethius monoceros
not known
Low
6
Scylla serrata
Mud crab
High
7
Xantho scaberrimus baccalipes
Custard apple crab
Low
8
Etisus laevimanus
not known
Low
9
Uca annulipes
fiddler crab
Low
10
Ocypode platytarsus
ghost crab
Low
11
Grapsus albolineatus
rock crab
Low
12
Pilumnus vespertilio
wolf crab
Low
13
Charybdis variegata
not known
High
14
Eriphia smithi
Calico crab
Low
15
Doclea rissonii
not known
Low
16
Thalamita prymna
True crab
High
Annexure 3: Prawns of the Study area
Sr. No. Scientific Name
Common Name
Edibility
1
Penaeus merguiensis
Banana Prawn
2
Metapenaeus affinis
Jinga Prawn
High
High
3
Penaeus monodon
Tiger Prawn
High
4
Metapenaeus brevicornis
not known
High
5
Metapenaeus kutchensis
Kutchi Prawn (Endemic) High
6
Metapenaeus monoceros
not known
Low
7
Metapenaeus stebbingi
not known
High
8
Parapenaeopsis sculptilis
Rainbow shrimp
High
9
Penaeus japonicus
Kuruma prawn
High
10
Penaeus semisulcatus
Green tiger prawn
High
Annexure 4: Dominant Invertebrates of the Study Area
Sr. No.
Phylum
Species
Common name
1
Cnidaria
Porpita Porpita
Porpita
2
Physalia physalis
Portuguese
Man Of War
3
Polythoa sp.
Zooanthus
4
Crambionella
tuhlamanni
Jelly Fish
5
Annelida
Myzostoma attenuatum Polychaete worm
6
Arthropoda
Lepas anserifera
Goos neeck Barnacle
Balanus reticulatus
Acorn Barnacles
7
8
28
Echinodiscus sp.
Sand dollar
9
Echinodermata
Astropecten sp.
Star fish
10
Ophiocnemus sp.
Brittle star
11
Stephanometra sp.
Feather star
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Annexure 4: Reptiles of the Study Area
Sr. No.
Group
A.
Turtle
1
2
B.
Turtle Green Sea
Turtle Olive Readily
Chelonia mydas
Lepidochelys olivacea
Tortoise Star
Geochelone elegans
Viper Saw Scaleda
Viper Russell’s
Indian Rat Snake
Cobra Bioccelate
Dog Face Water Snake
Glossy Marsh Snake
Hook Nosed Sea Snake
Bombay sea snake
Common Small headed sea snake
Yellow Sea Snake
Echis carinatus
Daboia russelii
Ptyas mucosus
Naja naja
Cerberus rynchops
Gerarda prevostiana
Enhydrina schistosa
Hydrophis mamillaris
Hydrophis gracilis
Hydrophis spiralis
Lizard Fan Throated
Indian Fringe Toed Lizard
Indian Garden Lizard
Monitor Lizard
Sitana ponticeriana
Acanthodactylus cantoris
Calotes versicolor
Varanus bengalensis
Snake
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
D.
Scientific Name
Tortoise
1
C.
Common Name
Lizard
1
2
3
4
Annexure 5: Mammals of the Study Area
Sr. No.
Common Name
Scientific Name
1
Jungle cat
Felis chaus
2
Wolf
Canis lupus
3
Jackal
Canis aureus
4
Small Indian Civet
Viverricula indica
5
Common Mangoose
Herpestes edwardsi
6
Blue Bull
Boselaphus tragocamelus
7
Indian Wild Boar
Sus scrofa
8
Pale Hedgehog
Paraechinus misfopus
9
Indian Hare
Lepus nigricollis
10
Indian Flying Fox
Pteropus giganteus
11
Fluvous Fruit Bat
Rousettus leschenaulti
12
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
Sausa chinensis
29
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Annexure 6: Avifaunal Diversity
Sr. No. Species
Scientific Name
Breeding Status
IUCN
status
1
Pied Avocet
Recurvirostra avosetta
RB, M
LC
2
Jungle Babbler
Turdoides striatus
M
LC
3
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Merops philippinus
RB
LC
4
Small Green Bee-eater
Merops orientalis
RB,M
LC
5
Red Vented Bulbul
Pycnonotus cafer
RB
LC
6
Oriental Honey Buzzard
Pernis ptilorhyncus
RB
LC
7
Little Cormorant
Phalacrocorax niger
RB
LC
8
House Crow
Corvus splenddens
RB
LC
9
Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata
RB
NT
10
Little Brown Dove
Streptopelia senegalensis
RB
LC
11
Spotted Dove
streptopelia chinensis
RB,M
LC
12
Black Drongo
Dicrurus macrocercus
M
LC
13
Dunlin
Calidris alpine
M
LC
14
Large Egret
Casmerodius albus
M
LC
15
Western Reef Egret
Egretta gularis
M
LC
16
Grey Francolin
Francolinus pondicerianus
M
LC
17
Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica
RB
LC
18
Black Tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa
M
NT
19
Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia
M
LC
20
Blackheaded Gull
Larus ridibundas
M
NL
21
Brownheaded Gull
Larus brunnicephalus
M
LC
22
Heuglin’s Gull
Larus heuglini
M
NL
23
Yellow-legged Gull
Larus michahellis
M
NL
24
Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
RB
LC
25
Montague’s Harrier
Circus pygargus
M
LC
26
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
RB,M
LC
27
Pond Heron
Ardeola grayii
M
LC
28
Hoopoe Common
Upupa epops
RB
LC
29
Black-headed Ibis
Threskiornis melanocephalus
M
NT
30
Lesser Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
M
LC
31
Black Shouldered Kite
Elanus caeruleus
M
LC
32
Pariah Kite
Milvus migrans
M
LC
33
Red Wattled Lapwing
Vanellus indicus
R, M
LC
34
Yellow Wattled Lapwing
Vanellus malarbaricus
RB, M
LC
35
Crested Lark
Galerida cristata
M
LC
36
Common Myna
Acridotheres tristis
RB
LC
37
Indian Nightjar
Caprimulgus asiaticus
M
LC
38
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
M
LC
39
Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispus
M
Vulnerable
A2ce+3ce+4ce
30
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Annexure 6: Avifaunal Diversity (contd.)
Sr. No. Species
Scientific Name
Breeding Status
IUCN
status
40
Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus
M
LC
41
Crow Pheasant
Centropus sinenis
RB
NL
42
Blue Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
RB
LC
43
Crab Plover
Dromas ardeola
RB
LC
44
Great Stone Plover
Esacus recurvirostris
RB
LC
45
Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus
M
LC
46
Lesser Sand Plover
Charadrius mongolus
M
LC
47
Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius
M
LC
48
Common Quail
Coturnix coturnix
R
LC
49
Indian Roller
Coracias benghalensis
R,M
LC
50
Ruff
Philomachus pugnax
RB
LC
51
Common Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos,
RB
LC
52
Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropus
RB
LC
53
Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis
RB
LC
54
Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus
RB
LC
55
Shikra
Accipiter badius
RB
LC
56
Bay Backed Shrike
Linius vittatus
RB
NL
57
Southern Grey Shrike
Linius meridionalis
RB
NL
58
Rufous Backed Shrike
Linius collurio
RB
NL
59
Eurasian Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
RB
LC
60
Rosy Starling
Sturnus pagodarum
RB
LC
61
Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus
RB,M
LC
62
Little Stint
Calidris minuta
RB
LC
63
Black-necked Stork
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
M
NT
64
Painted Stork
Mycteria leucocephala
M
NT
65
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
RB
LC
66
Red-rumped Swallow
Hirundo daurica
RB
LC
67
House Swift
Apus affinis
RB
LC
68
Caspian Tern
Sterna caspia
RB
LC
69
Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilcotica
M
NL
70
Little Tern
Sterna albifrons
RB
LC
71
Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus
RB
LC
72
Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres
RB
LC
73
Desert Wheatear
Oenanthe deserti
RB
LC
74
Variable Wheatear
Oenanthe picata
M
LC
75
Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus
M
LC
LC = Least Concern
NT = Near Threatened
NL = NL
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Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and
Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
(CGPL), Mandvi-Mundra Coast, Gujarat, India
July 2008 – March 2010
Project Team
Deepak Apte, Assistant Director
Dr. Swapna Prabhu, Systematic Botanist
Dishant Parasharya, Research Scientist
Bombay Natural History Society
Coastal Biodiversity Assessment and Benchmarking at Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd.
Contents
1
Introduction
2
1.1
Background
2
1.2
Objectives
4
1.3
Site description
4
1.3.1
Physical features
4
1.3.2
Climate
5
1.3.3
Land use pattern and vegetation
5
1.3.4
Fauna
7
1.3.5
Description of the project
7
1.3.6
Socio-economic features
8
2
Methodology
9
2.1
Characterisation of major habitat types
9
2.2
Sampling
10
2.2.1
Vegetation
10
2.2.2.
Fauna
10
2.3
Community structure and biodiversity analysis
12
2.3.1
Vegetation
12
2.3.2
Fauna
13
3
Results
14
3.1
Characterisation of major habitat types
14
3.2
Community structure analysis
18
4
Conclusions and Recommendations
30
Photogallary
35
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